– American Express Luxury Spend Analysis 2018 reveals that affluent Indians spent on High-end fashion, Jewellery and Electronics
– Inbound luxury spend increased from 29% in 2017 to 34% in 2018 with US travellers contributing the most
Chennai, 18 March 2019: From Kolkata to Koramangala, affluent Indians are making high-end luxury
purchases in growing numbers. American Express’ analysis of merchant spends at premium and luxury
brands across the country gives an insight into the shifting trends of luxury spending in India, and the
emerging pockets of affluence beyond the three metros.
The report covering transactions and spend volumes at over 600 merchants finds jewellery, electronics,
high-end fashion (apparel and accessories) and luxury retail to be the top categories of engagement for
Indian affluents. The analysis observed a seasonality associated with luxury spending, as transactions
spike during the festive and year-end travel season from October to December.
Manoj Adlakha, CEO, American Express India, said, “India’s luxury market continues to grow with
consumer behavior maturing in the last five years. While jewellery spending dominated the category till
2013, we have seen other segments – including electronic and high-end fashion grow in share, and even
surpass jewellery spends in certain markets. In fact, high-end fashion contributed 42% of total luxury
spends in 2018. Being a leader in the premium payments space, we understand customers’ preferences
and are best placed to provide deeper understanding of attitudes and spend patterns amongst high-
value segment.”
Manoj further elaborated on these insights, “Affluent consumers have a clear idea of the lifestyle they
want to lead and celebrate the duality – and fusion – of global luxuries and indigenous Indian brands in
their lifestyles. Indian affluents are no longer apologetic about their love for shopping. 46% of super-
affluent customers that we polled separately stated they “liked to buy luxury brands” and a third (31%)
of affluent and emerging affluents also articulated this preference for luxury brands. Interestingly, there
is little price-sensitivity in this category, as 50% of the super-affluent asserted that price was not a
consideration in their purchase decision. 30% of affluent and emerging affluent respondents concurred
with the same.”
Chennai specific details
- Going beyond the three metro (Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore) – Kolkata, Chennai, Pune and
Hyderabad, have emerged as new centres of luxury consumption - Chennai witnessed a 65% rise in luxury spend from 2017 to 2018
- Chennai spends major portion on high-end fashion boutiques followed by Electronics in 2018
- Interestingly luxury spending in Chennai happens mostly on weekdays rather than weekend
Key Insights
Growth in luxury spending beyond the three metros (Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore) – Kolkata, Chennai,
Pune and Hyderabad, have emerged as new centres of luxury consumption
- While Chennai witnessed a 65% rise in luxury spend from 2017 to 2018, luxury spending in Kolkata doubled from 2013 to 2018
- 33% of Luxury spending is done on weekends – in Pune, weekends make up for 58% of luxury
spending High-end fashion and luxury retail dominate spends across the country but Delhi continues to spend the most on jewellery - High-end fashion contributed 42% of total spend in 2018
- Highest proportion of luxury spends on jewellery in Delhi – grew from 13% (2013) to 39% (2018)
- In Bangalore, share of spend at luxury retail increased from 53% (2013) to 65% (2018)
- In Mumbai, share of spending on jewellery fell from 27% (2013) to 23% (2018), while luxury
retail gained share from 36% to 44% - Electronics is the category leader for Electronic City Hyderabad, with spends-share growing
from 16% (2013) to 52% (2018)
Other emerging hubs of luxury
- In cities such as Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Udaipur, luxury retail spend share
increased from 9% to 59% between 2013-2018 - Growth in luxury spend in these cities is 30x compared to Category A cities (2013 vs 2018)
Inbound travellers contributing to Indian luxury market growth
- 34% of luxury spending by inbound travelers
- 52% of inbound luxury spending in India from US travelers
- Inbound spend has gone up from 29% in 2017 to 34% in 2018
Highlighting the opportunity for merchants, Manoj added, “With nearly 70% of luxury spending in India
contributed at top 15% of merchants, there is a huge opportunity for retailers and local high-end
merchants to understand customer demand and preferences, and tap into their aspirations. We work
closely with our merchant partners to create exclusive promotions that deliver great value both to our
Cardmembers and merchants. For example, last year we entered a partnership to offer flat savings on
full-price merchandise at nearly 20 high-end fashion labels, exclusively for our Centurion and Platinum
Cardmembers. We will continue to invest in such partnerships to fuel category and partner growth.”
These findings are in line with industry reports. According to BCG data, spending in smaller cities is rising by nearly 14% a year, and by 12% a year in India’s biggest cities, bringing with it a desire for faster
gratification – to experience new things, live more premium lifestyles and buy international brands.
About American Express
American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at
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